Warning: You are currently using an unsupported browser -OR- your browser is currently in compatibility mode. Certain features and pages on larimer.org may be impacted or altogether inaccessible. Read More…

Accessory Dwellings: Second homes &amp guest quarters

Property owners often ask about having an additional dwelling or guest quarters on their property. Section 4.3.10 of the County's Land Use Code has several options for accessory dwellings to address common needs for additional living space:

Accessory living area ("guest quarters") (Section 4.3.10.H.)

Extended Family Dwellings (Section 4.3.10.I.)

Farmstead Dwellings (Section 4.3.10.A.1.)

When it comes to accessory dwellings, these options address different situations. Please note that approval of a land use process and/or building permit is required prior to use. It is also important to note that accessory dwellings cannot be used for rental income and must not be rented separately from the single family dwelling.

Do your "homework"! If you want to add an accessory dwelling to your property, please contact the Planning Department at 970-498-7679 or by email for assistance regarding the options that are available. We also recommend that property owners research the following topics:

If you have a mortgage on your property, check with your mortgage company to see if having an accessory dwelling unit will affect the terms of your loan. You may also want to talk with an appraiser from the County Assessor's Office or call (970) 498-7050 to see how an accessory dwelling may affect your property values.

Related information

There are a variety of reasons why some properties in the county have multiple existing dwellings. Some properties are considered to be legal, non-conforming or "grandfathered" because the multiple dwellings were built before regulations limited the number of dwellings allowed on a property. In other situations, multiple dwellings were approved through a county zoning review process at some time in the past. There are also some situations where illegal dwellings or dwelling units have been created.

Properties located in the RFLB-Red Feather Lakes Business zoning district are allowed to have one single family dwelling unit for use of the owner/operator/caretaker/employee, subject to certain conditions. Please see Section 4.3.10. L. of the Land Use Code for details.

If you would like more specific information or if you have a question that's not answered here, please contact the Larimer County Planning Department at 970-498-7679 or send us email.